Phylogenomics and the dynamic genome evolution of the genus Streptococcus.

ABSTRACT: The genus Streptococcus comprises important pathogens that have a severe impact on human health and are responsible for substantial economic losses to agriculture. Here, we utilize 46 Streptococcus genome sequences (44 species), including eight species sequenced here, to provide the first genomic level insight into the evolutionary history and genetic basis underlying the functional diversity of all major groups of this genus. Gene gain/loss analysis revealed a dynamic pattern of genome evolution characterized by an initial period of gene gain followed by a period of loss, as the major groups within the genus diversified. This was followed by a period of genome expansion associated with the origins of the present extant species. The pattern is concordant with an emerging view that genomes

SUBMITTER: Richards VP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4007547 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature